SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
December 27, 2023
Sullivan’s Salvos 12/28/23
In this edition:
*Happy New Year!
*RIP Bob Opplinger
*Did You Know?
*Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all Salvos readers! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful 2024!
*RIP Bob Opplinger
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Robert Opplinger of Iowa City. Bob was a well-known bicyclist and biking advocate. He was very interested and active in politics, and was really a wonderful man. I will miss him at the IC Farmer’s Market and all the other places our paths crossed. RIP, Bob!
*Salvos Salutes!
2023 is coming to a close, and it is time for honoring a few select Johnson County residents with that most treasured of honors, the Salvos Salute. A few observations:
* This is the eighteenth annual set of awards, and there are always more people who deserve awards than there are awards to give. We live in a great County!
* The focus is on Johnson County. It is certainly worth noting the daily heroism of someone like our firefighters, police, and paramedics. There are also examples that garner international attention. But we have everyday heroes right here in Johnson County that deserve a shout out.
* There are some people out there that could win every year. I am trying to honor different folks, but repeat winners are not out of the question.
* Salvos Salutes do not have specific criteria, but you can bet that in general, most of the winners are courageous, advocate for peace and justice, have good ideas, speak truth to power, avoid hypocrisy, and look out for the less fortunate.
Without further ado, your 2023 Salvos Salutes go to:
Jennifer Banta: The United Way of Johnson County was not in a good place. Fundraising was stagnant, and “partner agencies” did not feel like partners. Luckily, the UW Board selected Jenny Banta to serve as the new Executive Director. I know there is still a lot of work to do. I also know Jenny is going to get it done!
Tasha Lard: This lady does a lot to mentor others in Linn and Johnson Counties. It is remarkable how many people I know who have said they went to Tasha for advice. It is not enough to do well yourself. You need to bring others along. People like Tasha know this, and keep our community going! Thank you, Tasha!
Carrie Watson: Ms. Watson taught almost everyone we put through City High – Rachel, Loshika, BJ, and Marie. In every case, Ms. Watson seemed to know exactly what each kid needed. In every case, she went above and beyond the call of duty. In every case, the kids were better people because they had her as a teacher. The quality of educators my kids enjoyed is truly amazing! And while it might be impossible to choose a single BEST teacher, Carrie Watson is definitely in the mix! Carrie retired last May, and is most deserving of a Salvos Salute!
Barbara Vinograde: The Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic Executive Director Barbara Vinograde stepped down back in June after 31 years with the organization. Barbara Vinograde has given much of her adult life to this noble pursuit. In addition, Barbara is one of the kindest, gentlest, humblest, fairest, most caring people I have ever met. You can look far and wide, and you will not find a better human being. Congratulation, Barbara! You are the best!
Suzan Erem: Stepping down as the Director of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), Susan has left a legacy of great work in the fields (no pun intended) of agriculture and the environment. If you are not familiar with SILT, check them out. And thank you Suzan!
Meghann Foster (second time): The people of Coralville elected their first female Mayor, and they picked a good one! Mayor Foster wins a rare second Salvos Salute for her work making Coralville better in so many ways. From human services to affordability to the environment to public transparency, Coralville is headed in a good direction. Thanks, Mayor Foster!
New unions: Brand new bargaining units won recognition at United Natural Foods and the Englert Theatre. Workers also voted to form a union at the downtown Starbucks, although the corporate bosses refuse to come to the table. Local union activism is growing, and that is a great thing for Johnson County!
Older unions: School bus drivers (Teamsters), city and county AFSCME employees, and several other local unions scored nice wins. In addition, memberships are up, and existing unions are ready, willing, and able to work with groups who seek representation. The union movement is strong in Johnson County!
School Board voters: When given the opportunity, ICCSD voters soundly rejected the conservative candidates and their book banning, anti-gay bullshit. It was about 92-8 in the ICCSD – perhaps more importantly, voters rejected this type of crap all across Iowa!
Mitch Gross: My friend Mitch is stepping down after 16 years on the Coralville Council. He already has one of the most difficult jobs imaginable as the Principal at West High, so I understand the decision. Mitch is a great guy, and Coralville is definitely a better place due to his service. Thanks, Mitch!
IC Council and IC Transit: Free bus service has been a big hit! Great for people and great for the environment! Thanks to the IC Council for their vision! (And yes, I am contractually obligated to mention that Gary Sanders campaigned on this in his 1981 run for Council.)
Ron Schneider: Retiring from SEATS after 34+ years, Ron epitomizes the steady, solid public employees we have here in Johnson County. Ron just does the job and does it well, day in and day out. Thank you for your service!
Dave Gould: The UI has some real gems. None shine brighter than Dave Gould, he of the Life Design class. Gould’s classes delve into the very deepest things that connect us all as humans, then put those findings to work within the community. Want to learn a lot about the world, yourself, and how they fit together? Take a class with Dave Gould. He’s one of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet.
Sarah Nelson: CommUnity Crisis Services is doing great work! You have known about the crisis line (now 988) and food pantry since the early 70s. And both are still going strong. Unfortunately, need may be greater than ever. But are you aware of Mobile Crisis services? Are you aware there is financial help available? Have you heard about the youth crisis stabilization farm? Sarah oversees a large and growing organization that takes a modern, progressive approach to meeting basic needs.
Bob Welsh (second time): We lost Bob late in 2023. He was doing advocacy work up until that time. Please see last week’s Salvos for more on this great man. And you know what would make Bob proud? Seeing his granddaughter Sarah Nelson featured right above him!
Congratulations to all our winners!
*DID YOU KNOW? 257 individuals/groups have received a Salvos Salute since they were started in 2006.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan29@gmail.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 2:54 PM
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